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enArchbishop of Canterbury says "Stand up and speak out for justice and dignity for all" in run up to 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaignhttp://staging.mothersunion.polemark.com/archbishop-canterbury-says-stand-and-speak-out-justice-and-dignity-all-run-16-days-activism-against
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>In the run-up to the launch of Mothers’ Union’s participation in the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender- Based Violence (GBV) campaign on 25th November, The Archbishop of Canterbury, The Right Rev. Justin Welby, said, “One of the most important things that churches and communities of faith can do is to stand up and speak out for justice and dignity for all.” </p>
<p>He continued, “Gender-based violence has blighted societies from the earliest times, and continues to be one of the greatest injustices in the world today. No society is immune to it, and all too often, women and girls, against whom acts of violence or abuse have been committed, are unable to speak out because of stigma placed on them.”</p>
<p>This year’s campaign focuses on combatting the stigma surrounding GBV, by breaking the power of silence, lifting the shame placed on survivors and shifting the blame for the abuse from victim to perpetrator. </p>
<p>Stigma around GBV can take many forms and be multifaceted. In some areas, women who have been raped as part of violent conflict or war are shunned by their families and husbands. Some women and girls who have been victims of human trafficking, particularly for sexual exploitation, are then rejected by their families and communities and not allowed to return home, even if they do manage to escape their captors.</p>
<p>As part of the campaign, Mothers’ Union is inviting people around the world to join together in a Global Moment to raise awareness of GBV.</p>
<p>This symbolic act, which can take place anywhere, at any time of the day on 26th November or at any point during the 16 Days, calls people to: link hands with one another to represent unity in ending GBV; reach out hands to represent connection with those around the world affected by, or campaigning against GBV and lift hands up as a sign of prayer for an end to GBV. </p>
<p>Mothers’ Union’s CEO, Bev Jullien said, “The 16 Days Against Gender-Based Violence campaign is one our most important campaigns of the year. Violence against women and girls does not respect borders. Members in all of our 83 countries around the world engage in various ways from marching on the streets, to holding prayer vigils, donating to women’s refuges or writing to politicians calling for them to take action to combat GBV.” </p>
<p>At least one in three women globally will experience some form of gender based violence at some point in herlifetime. Globally, women between the ages of 15-44 are more likely to be maimed or die as a result of male violence than through cancer malaria, traffic accidents or war combined. In England and Wales seven women a month are killed by a current or former partner.</p>
<p>“Mothers’ Union has one of the widest and most effective reaches across communities, seeking to share the gospel of reconciliation and transform the world in which we live. Together in the power of the Spirit, we can break the power of silence,” said Welby.</p>
<p>Mothers’ Union is encouraging everyone taking part in the Global Moment to share on social media on 26th November (or after) to gain momentum, using either the hashtag #letstalkaboutit #mu16days, #endstigma or #endgbv, using the Mothers’ Union handle @mothersunion (Twitter)</p>
<p>Mothers’ Union has produced a wealth of resources, including prayers and a video, to help people engage. To find out more <a href="http://www.mothersunion.org/16-days">click here</a>. Watch the video <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsPiB_G6poQ">here </a></p>
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<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/taxonomy/term/8" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">News</a></div></div></div>Tue, 21 Nov 2017 10:27:40 +0000Rachael Arding1072 at http://staging.mothersunion.polemark.comArchbishop of Canterbury's advisor on Reconciliation encourages Mothers' Union to move outside its comfort zone and build on its strength http://staging.mothersunion.polemark.com/archbishop-canterburys-advisor-reconciliation-encourages-mothers-union-move-outside-its-comfort-zone
<div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="http://staging.mothersunion.polemark.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/GM%20sarah%20snyder.JPG?itok=W8V8prQZ"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://staging.mothersunion.polemark.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/GM%20sarah%20snyder.JPG?itok=W8V8prQZ" width="330" height="495" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Canon Sarah Snyder, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Advisor on Reconciliation, called on Mothers’ Union members at our General Meeting in Edinburgh on Saturday to be Ambassadors of reconciliation. </p>
<p>In her keynote address she spoke about her work around the world and brought it home by explaining that “one of the most powerful tools for reconciliation is to show hospitality – not just to our friends, but to those outside our comfort zone.”</p>
<p>Canon Snyder, a member herself, went on to encourage fellow members and described the movement as being wonderful at hospitality, “How can we build on this strength, to extend our reach, in ways that move us beyond our comfort zones, and help us to live out the call to be ambassadors of reconciliation?”</p>
<p>Finally, she asked members how they can be ambassadors of reconciliation in their families, community and beyond. How they can be a voice for women around the world serving as ambassadors of reconciliation in risky places and “How can we as a worldwide network of women and mothers, answer God’s call, to every one of us, to serve as His ambassadors and His ministers of reconciliation?”</p>
<p>In response, Mothers’ Union’s CEO Bev Jullien, proposed two pledges to members. Firstly, they voted overwhelmingly to support the following call to action:</p>
<p><strong>“We, a global movement of four million members, many of whom have experienced directly the impact of conflict on the lives of women and children, and are actively involved in peacebuilding, call for women’s voices to be heard, and their needs represented, in all areas of peacebuilding and conflict resolution.”</strong></p>
<p>Members, who attended from as far afield as Uganda, Trinidad and Tobago, and throughout Britain and Ireland, also wrote down their own personal pledges of what they planned to do when they returned home.</p>
<p> “Much of what we do in our communities is the work of reconciliation, but we don’t put a name on it,” explained Bev Jullien. “We just get on and do it. We are out on the front line. Canon Snyder has encouraged us and inspired us today to build on what we are doing,” she continued. </p>
<p>In her speech, Worldwide President, Lynne Tembey, talked about the many ways Mothers’ Union is at the front-line all over the world. She described the work of Mothers’ Union groups in Truro Diocese who give children starting school their very own little “Teddy Horsley” and share with them his adventures, linked to Bible verses. “The aim is to encourage trust and a sense of security for the children, saying you are not alone, someone cares for you and you have someone to care for,” she said.</p>
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Mon, 02 Oct 2017 12:01:14 +0000Rachael Arding1068 at http://staging.mothersunion.polemark.comHurricane Irma: Statement from Mothers' Union in the Province of the West Indieshttp://staging.mothersunion.polemark.com/hurricane-irma-statement-mothers-union-province-west-indies
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>The Provincial Council of Mothers' Union in the Province of the West Indies has released the following statement in light of Hurricane Irma: </p>
<p>"We the Provincial Council of Mothers’ Union in the Province of the West Indies, representing the Dioceses of Barbados, Belize, Guyana &amp; Suriname, Jamaica &amp; The Cayman Islands, North Eastern Caribbean &amp; Aruba, Trinidad &amp; Tobago and the Windward Islands, wish to send this message of prayer and solidarity to those in our province and beyond affected by the devastation of Hurricane Irma.</p>
<p>We have heard with great sorrow news of how the islands of the north eastern Caribbean have been devastated like never before. We mourn with all those who have lost loved ones, especially with one of our own delegates who has lost a family member in the British Virgin Islands.</p>
<p>Mothers’ Union and Church teams on the ground in the Diocese of North Eastern Caribbean and Aruba (NECA) are assessing and monitoring the situation as it develops and will be identifying how they can respond. Grants are being considered from the Mothers’ Union Disaster Fund in the Province of the West Indies and the worldwide Mothers’ Union Relief Fund once plans have been made.</p>
<p>We continue to ask for prayers from Mothers’ Union members and the Church around the world for all those who have been affected by this tragedy and for all those who are acting to respond in the relief effort. We ask for prayers too that Hurricane José, currently gathering strength and predicted to hit the very same islands in the next few days, will dissipate so that communities already suffering will be spared further destruction."</p>
<p>Prayers for all those affected by Hurricane Irma can be found <a href="http://www.themothersunion.org/get-involved/pray-worship">here </a></p>
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<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/taxonomy/term/8" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">News</a></div></div></div>Tue, 12 Sep 2017 10:54:55 +0000Rachael Arding1064 at http://staging.mothersunion.polemark.comSierra Leone Mudslides - Mothers' Union Mobiliseshttp://staging.mothersunion.polemark.com/sierra-leone-mudslides-mothers-union-mobilises
<div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="http://staging.mothersunion.polemark.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/SL%20image%20low%20res.png?itok=zQeap-3L"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://staging.mothersunion.polemark.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/SL%20image%20low%20res.png?itok=zQeap-3L" width="495" height="361" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Mothers’ Union in Sierra Leone is responding to the needs of thousands affected by the mudslides that hit the country’s capital, Freetown, earlier this week. Scores of people have been killed and it is estimated that at least 600 people are missing.</p>
<p>Victoria Wilson, our Diocesan President of Freetown said, “We are providing food items, clothing, toiletries and water for those hospitalised.”</p>
<p>She continued, “We need prayers for the victims, the various people working day and night to excavate the mud and search for dead bodies.”</p>
<p>Our head of Development and Policy, Nicola Lawrence, said, “This is a terrible tragedy that has hit a country only just getting back on its feet after the Ebola crisis. We are in regular contact with Mothers’ Union in Freetown and monitoring how we can support their efforts further and in the long-run. In the meantime we are praying for all those who have been affected.”</p>
<p>We urge all our members to join us in prayer for all those affected, it can be found by <a href="http://www.themothersunion.org/get-involved/pray-worship">clicking here </a></p>
<p><em>(Photo Credit - iStock.com/dk_photos)</em></p>
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Thu, 17 Aug 2017 12:01:08 +0000Rachael Arding1061 at http://staging.mothersunion.polemark.com“You are the heart and love of the church" Archbishop of Canterbury tells Sudan Mothers' Union at new province inaugurationhttp://staging.mothersunion.polemark.com/%E2%80%9Cyou-are-heart-and-love-church-archbishop-canterbury-tells-sudan-mothers-union-new-province
<div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="http://staging.mothersunion.polemark.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/IMG_5411.JPG?itok=Kz3goheX"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://staging.mothersunion.polemark.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/IMG_5411.JPG?itok=Kz3goheX" width="495" height="371" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>The Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Revd Justin Welby, commended Sudan’s Mothers’ Union on Sunday, saying, “I recognise the importance of Mothers’ Union in Sudan. You are the heart and love of the Church. May God bless you.”</p>
<p>In a sermon at the inauguration of the Anglican Communion’s newest and 39th Province, Sudan, he continued, “Provinces of Mothers’ Union around the world are praying for you today and always.”</p>
<p>The Province’s first Archbishop and Primate, The Most Revd Ezekiel Kondo, thanked Mothers’ Union for their support and for “always being there.”</p>
<p>Prayers for peace were read by Mama Samira, Mothers’ Union’s Elected Leader for Khartoum. She was once a beneficiary of Mothers’ Union’s Literacy and Financial Education Programme and was elected Leader with her new skills and confidence after becoming literate and numerate. </p>
<p>Sudan’s Mothers’ Union leaders sent a message thanking the four million strong membership globally and calling on them to pray for the Province and for Sudan. Many Mothers’ Union members from as far afield as Trinidad and Tobago to New Zealand have taken to social media to welcome the new province and their fellow sisters.</p>
<p>In a letter to the new Archbishop Ezekiel Kondo, Mothers’ Union President, Lynne Tembey said, “May all who lead the Church in the newly formed Province of Sudan, guide and direct those within their care with love and compassion seeking God’s guidance in all things. I pray too for all people in Sudan. May the light of Christ continue to be your light, your guide and pathway.”</p>
<p>Mothers’ Union’s Development Team from the United Kingdom spent the week prior to the ceremony in a workshop run by the Mothers’ Union Sudan leadership. The leaders, who represented Dioceses from across the new Province, mapped out their priorities for the future. They included education, growing and developing good leaders within Mothers’ Union and building capacity of individuals, especially women. </p>
<p>Nicola Lawrence, Mothers’ Union’s Head of Development and Policy said, “We have met with Mothers’ Union leaders from across Sudan listening to their joys, challenges and the hopes and dreams they have for the future. Every day I have been humbled and inspired by the passion and commitment of the members who selflessly and sacrificially serve others in the community from visiting those who are sick in hospital or in their homes, supporting those in prison, to building the capacity of women through literacy, skills training and savings groups.” She continued, “Please pray for Mothers’ Union Sudan as they move forward together as a new province working together to be salt and light within their communities.”</p>
<p>To read more about our work in Sudan and Mama Samira's story click<a href="http://www.mothersunion.org/supporting-family-life/community-development/church-community-mobilisation-process/mothers-union-0"> here</a></p>
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Tue, 01 Aug 2017 09:52:05 +0000Rachael Arding1060 at http://staging.mothersunion.polemark.com"Summer of Hope event came at just the right moment for us as a community" says the Very Revd Andrew Nunn, Dean of Southwark http://staging.mothersunion.polemark.com/summer-hope-event-came-just-right-moment-us-community-says-very-revd-andrew-nunn-dean-southwark
<div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="http://staging.mothersunion.polemark.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/MUn_GS_19Jul17_227.JPG?itok=tJjfMd-w"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://staging.mothersunion.polemark.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/MUn_GS_19Jul17_227.JPG?itok=tJjfMd-w" width="495" height="330" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>The Dean of Southwark, The Very Reverend Andrew Nunn, expressed his gratitude to Mothers’ Union this week for hosting its “Summer of Hope” event in the cathedral churchyard recently. “We were grateful to be drawn into this celebration of the hope we have in Christ, which will not disappoint,” he said. </p>
<p>He continued, “The Summer of Hope event at Southwark Cathedral came at just the right moment for us as a community. In the face of so many things that we and many other people faced and are facing this year, the Christian message of hope is a vital one. The members of Mothers’ Union around the world are a sign of hope to families and communities, to the church and to society.”</p>
<p>“Summer of Hope” is Mothers’ Union’s summer appeal aiming to raise £125,000 for community projects in the UK and abroad. Mothers’ Union is encouraging members to host their very own barbecues, tea parties, cake and plant sales fêtes, raffles, face painting and bouncy castles during the summer to help raise money for the appeal. No event is too large or too small.</p>
<p>Mothers’ Union’s Worldwide President, Lynne Tembey, described what a privilege it was to be part of the event at Southwark, “It was great to see information and stories around the grounds. Stories of those who will benefit through our appeal. The event had a happy family feel,” she said. </p>
<p>She extended her thanks to Southwark Cathedral staff “who were very supportive, making us so very welcome. They also seemed to enjoy the cakes produced by Mothers’ Union staff!”</p>
<p>Lynne described what a pleasure it was to see Diocesan President of Southwark, Cynthia Smith and Margaret Blazey, Diocesan President of London, members from neighbouring dioceses, including St Albans, Southwark, London and Rochester attend as well as tourists and visitors. “It was very special for me to have the opportunity to spend time talking with fellow members in a happy, relaxing atmosphere. I would like to extend my deep gratitude to everyone who visited and supported the event,” she said. </p>
<p>She is calling on members to do what they can to support the appeal, “Wouldn’t it be amazing, if, at the end of the summer, we could have enjoyed time with friends, fellow members or those who know little about our work and mission. Please consider hosting an event, if you haven’t already. It isn’t too late. I can truly say that you will enjoy the fellowship and sharing.”</p>
<p>Mothers’ Union has provided a resource packed full of ideas, information and templates for invites, posters and case studies to help people organise their event - <a href="http://www.themothersunion.org/summer-of-hope">Click here</a>.</p>
<p>For more information contact <a href="mailto:fundraising@mothersunion.org">fundraising@mothersunion.org</a> or call 020 7222 5533 ext 237</p>
<p> </p>
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Thu, 27 Jul 2017 11:45:52 +0000Rachael Arding1059 at http://staging.mothersunion.polemark.comMothers’ Union plans to offer Grenfell families support through its Away From It All Holiday schemehttp://staging.mothersunion.polemark.com/mothers%E2%80%99-union-plans-offer-grenfell-families-support-through-its-away-it-all-holiday-scheme
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>As part of a united and co-ordinated response from members in Dioceses across the country, Mothers’ Union is planning to support families who were affected by the Grenfell Tower tragedy in June by offering holidays under the charity’s Away From It All (AFIA) scheme.</p>
<p>Margaret Blazey, Diocesan President for Mother’s Union in the London Diocese, said, “We are working with the Bishop of Kensington's office in co-ordinating plans to help as many families as possible through our AFIA project who have been caught up in this terrible tragedy.” </p>
<p>AFIA is funded by Mothers’ Union members to help people who are experiencing stress in their family life to enjoy much-needed family time together. The cost of the holiday or travel expenses are met by Mothers’ Union. </p>
<p>In 2016 Mothers’ Union provided 3,400 people across the UK and Ireland with a much needed break. The holidays take many different forms. Some are specially organised family weeks where a number of families and a team of volunteers go away together with activities and outings arranged. Others may take place in a holiday home owned by Mothers’ Union, usually sited near a beach. Some holidays take the form of day trips. </p>
<p>Mothers’ Union’s CEO, Bev Jullien, said, “It is hard to imagine what these families are currently experiencing and what they have gone through. At Mothers’ Union we thought about how best we could support them.” She continued, “We have been running AFIA holidays for more than 50 years. These holidays reflect the heart of who we are by showing practical support where it is needed most.”</p>
<p>Mothers’ Union Dioceses across the length and breadth of the United Kingdom are offering their support. </p>
<p>The charity recognises that this is not a short term issue and that the impact of this tragedy will continue for many years to come. Mothers’ Union is inviting families to apply for a holiday at a time that best suits them, whenever that might be. </p>
<p>Mothers’ Union continues to pray for the families and all of those affected. Prayers can be <a href="http://www.mothersunion.org/get-involved/pray-worship">found here</a></p>
<p>To find out more about AFIA Holidays <a href="http://www.mothersunion.org/our-focus/helping-those-facing-adversity/giving-families-break">click here</a></p>
<p> </p>
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<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="dc:subject"><a href="/taxonomy/term/8" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">News</a></div></div></div>Mon, 17 Jul 2017 15:42:38 +0000Rachael Arding1058 at http://staging.mothersunion.polemark.com“The World Needs Hope” – Southwark Cathedral To Host Mothers’ Union’s “Summer of Hope” Campaign Launchhttp://staging.mothersunion.polemark.com/%E2%80%9C-world-needs-hope%E2%80%9D-%E2%80%93-southwark-cathedral-host-mothers%E2%80%99-union%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%9Csummer-hope%E2%80%9D-campaign-launch
<div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="http://staging.mothersunion.polemark.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/Summer%20of%20Hope%20logo.png?itok=3VCt2jW6"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://staging.mothersunion.polemark.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/Summer%20of%20Hope%20logo.png?itok=3VCt2jW6" width="495" height="290" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Southwark Cathedral grounds will be transformed into a summer-themed garden party with a difference on Wednesday 19th July when Mothers’ Union (MU) launches its annual summer appeal. </p>
<p>Entitled “<a href="http://www.themothersunion.org/summer-of-hope">Summer of Hope</a>”, this year’s appeal target is to raise £125,000 for community based projects. Last year MU members from across the UK helped raise £102,000 for the charity’s “Big Summer Appeal”. Projects funded ranged from helping mums in South Sudan learn to read and write to giving imprisoned dads in the UK the chance to reconnect with their families.</p>
<p>This year Mothers’ Union is calling on its members to organise garden parties, barbecues, cake sales, fêtes, raffles, face painting and bouncy castles – no event is too large or too small. Hosting an afternoon tea for a few friends could raise £60 and help three people learn to read and write. A summer BBQ could raise £180 and help 30 mums and dads become better parents by funding one of MU’s parenting skills groups. Finally, a summer fête could raise £1,000 and fund 10 churches to begin programmes that achieve a positive and lasting change in their communities.</p>
<p>“What better way to celebrate the start of summer than by coming together with friends, family and neighbours to enjoy the sunshine?” says Mothers’ Union Worldwide President, Lynne Tembey. “It doesn’t matter whether you want to host an afternoon tea for a few friends, or welcome a whole community to a grand summer fête. Whatever you do will help to make it a ‘Summer of Hope’ for families around the world,” she continues. </p>
<p>Why not come down to Southwark Cathedral and learn more about the people and projects Mothers’ Union’s ‘Summer of Hope’ will be supporting and find out more from MU staff about how you can get involved. A gallery of images will be displayed showcasing how the campaign will actually change the lives of individuals. “We are delighted to host this event with Mothers’ Union. The world needs hope, as do many of our communities at home. A ‘Summer of Hope’ will help us all lift our eyes and hearts to the God in whom we are forever hopeful,” says The Very Revd Andrew Nunn, Dean of Southwark. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Where</strong>: Southwark Cathedral Churchyard (behind Borough Market)</p>
<p><strong>Date:</strong> Wednesday 19th July</p>
<p><strong>Time:</strong> 11am to 2pm </p>
<p>Mothers’ Union has provided a resource packed full of ideas, information and templates for invites, posters and case studies to help people organise their event. <a href="http://www.themothersunion.org/summer-of-hope-resources">Click here</a> </p>
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Thu, 13 Jul 2017 10:04:42 +0000Rachael Arding1057 at http://staging.mothersunion.polemark.comMothers' Union appoints Senior Communications Manager http://staging.mothersunion.polemark.com/mothers-union-appoints-senior-communications-manager
<div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="http://staging.mothersunion.polemark.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/Sophia%20stand.jpg?itok=o0MWSG8-"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://staging.mothersunion.polemark.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/Sophia%20stand.jpg?itok=o0MWSG8-" width="371" height="495" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Mothers’ Union has appointed a new Senior Communications Manager to be responsible for overseeing its Publications, Events, Digital Media and Media Relations. Sophia Jones’ experience spans as far back as 1992 when she was a Press Assistant at Christian Aid. Since then she has worked as a Communications professional in some of the world’s leading international charities, including Tearfund and World Vision. As a journalist, she has written for a variety of magazines and newspapers. Most recently, Sophia spent almost six years in Nairobi, Kenya, as the International Rescue Committee’s (IRC) Regional Communications and Media Manager responsible for 10 countries throughout the Horn and East Africa region. “I’m extremely excited to be working with an organisation that is making a difference in the lives of people both in the U.K and abroad. I have seen Mothers’ Union in places like South Sudan and Kenya as well as here at home. We are truly bringing Christian care to families in practical and spiritual ways. I hope to add value to the wonderful work MU is already doing,” says Jones. </p>
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Wed, 12 Jul 2017 10:18:35 +0000Rachael Arding1056 at http://staging.mothersunion.polemark.comMothers' Union announces $50,000 grant for famine affected communities in South Sudan http://staging.mothersunion.polemark.com/mothers-union-announces-50000-grant-famine-affected-communities-south-sudan
<div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="http://staging.mothersunion.polemark.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/IMG_5726.JPG?itok=lcSKK1M2"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://staging.mothersunion.polemark.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/IMG_5726.JPG?itok=lcSKK1M2" width="330" height="495" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Mothers’ Union have announced the award of a $50,000 grant to provide food, tools and seeds for 20,000 men, women and children in Rubkona, Unity State, South Sudan, who are suffering from a lack of food as a result of the ongoing civil war, poor infrastructure and failing harvests that have blighted the region. </p>
<p>Over 2,500 families have been identified by a ‘rapid stakeholder assessment’ carried out by the Diocese of Bentiu, as being those in most need and requiring immediate intervention. In response Mothers’ Union have teamed up with a number of relief agencies in the region, including the Sudanese Development and Relief Agency [SUDRA], Christian Aid and CMS Ireland to provide emergency relief for those in need. The money will provide deliver food supplies for people who have been identified as requiring emergency aid, as well as paying for seeds and tools, to local farmers plant crops that will help provide communities with increased food security in the years to come. </p>
<p>In Rubkona County, many people have been forced to leave their homes because of insecurity and violence leaving their crops behind. The situation was exacerbated by the flooding the region experienced from June to September of 2016 and the drought which followed in early 2017, decimating the harvest. </p>
<p>In an attempt to overcome their current lack of food, many people have been forced to survive on a diet of wild tree leaves and roots, while some women and children have resorted to prostitution in exchange for food, or early marriages as a means of survival. </p>
<p>Nicola Lawrence, Head of Global Development and Policy at Mothers’ Union, said, “The situation across many states in South Sudan remains critical. Through our long-standing presence in grassroots communities throughout the country, Mothers’ Union is well placed to respond practically and quickly by providing essential supplies to these families.</p>
<p>Nicola added, “We continue to advocate for long-term solutions to the crisis through our national peace and reconciliation work, which aims to enable long-term economic empowerment through literacy circles and savings and credit groups.” </p>
<p>Since the conflict began in December 2013, the UN estimates that 3.4 million people have been forced to flee their homes and another 1.4 million people are currently suffering from malnutrition. </p>
<p> </p>
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Mon, 03 Jul 2017 15:31:42 +0000Rachael Arding1055 at http://staging.mothersunion.polemark.com